Be careful in and around 'Work Zones'

Sometimes it’s just an orange barrel or a shovel that stands between a construction worker and a motorist. Everyone like a newly widened roadway, a nicely resurfaced road, or for a few potholes to be filled in, but some motorists aren’t patient during the process. In construction zones, we have seen collisions between vehicles, workers being struck by vehicles, vehicles striking equipment, motorist throwing objects at workers and unfortunately; even traffic fatalities inside of the work zone.

A work zone is any type of road work which may delay traffic conditions. Work zones usually involve lane closures or detours. Sweepers, line painting trucks, mowing equipment and heavy machinery are common moving equipment in work zones.

Work zones on highways have become increasingly dangerous for workers and drivers. When approaching a work zone watch for materials such as cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles, or workers to warn you and direct you where to go. All temporary signs in work zones have an orange background and black letters or symbols. These signs can be found on either side of the road and tell you what and how soon you will encounter a work zone.

Most work zones will notify the driver of any speed limit changes. Speed reductions are intended for the safety of workers and motorists. Reduced speed limits are clearly posted within the work zone and if there are no reduced signs, drivers should obey the normal speed limit.

Keep the following tips in mind while entering a work zone:

1. Slow down and obey posted speed limits. The fines for speeding are tend to be higher in a work zone.

2. Follow work zone sign instructions and those given by a flagger.

3. Remember work zones can change daily, including lane shifts and closures.

4. Be extremely cautious in a work zone at night.

5. Watch the traffic around you and be prepared to react to what the traffic is doing. Be ready to respond quickly if necessary.

We want to remind everyone to be extra careful when driving through these work zones. Throwing a cupful of ice, out of the window at a construction worker, while you’re traveling around 60 mph is uncalled for. Speeding through the zone will just put yourself, other drivers and the workers lives at risk. Let’s make the right decisions when we’re behind the wheel so we can all go home to our families safely.

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